“Summer solstice is celebrated in many European countries with a renewal ritual in which Fire is the main element. It is a pagan festivity that follows the cycle of crops and nature. There are different ways to celebrate the shortest night of the year, walking on embers or jumping over bonfires are amongst the most popular. Come to the garden and join us in this magical night . . “Virginia

The Willow Dome has really sprung to life after a tough winter. Everyone has been enjoying its criss-cross of foliage, a unique place for story telling, make believe and bird watching. The children have decorated it, made it into a home with sleeping area and kitchen, then turned it into a time machine! Grown ups have enjoyed a chat and a cuppa, and river locals have used it for a candle-lit vigil in remembrance of a recently passed friend. Thanks once again to Nefeli and Nasreen for this inspired project!

Today we got loads done in the garden with the help from Pete (as ever), Sascia on secateurs, Adeline on spade and clear and I was tidying and weeding the herb spiral. Pete did a grand job on water hose making sure the orchard and thirsty plants were refreshed. Sascia spent three hours clearing and re-mulching the pathways next to the hedgerow. Adeline cleared and weeded around the strawberry beds and pathways. Thank you for all your help.

Please come along on Sundays from 11-2 to help out – you can do as much or as little as you’d like.

Some photos from today.

SATURDAY NIGHT GET TOGETHER

We had a lovely get together last Saturday – a collection of new and old faces, delicious home baked and locally foraged food cooked together on the open fire. The foxes enjoyed a late snack too I heard . . .